Plymouth Fire Chief discusses giving Mass Casualty Trailer to Elkhart County EMA

Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

Plymouth Fire Chief Steve Holm discussed possibly giving the Mass Casualty Trailer to Elkhart County EMA at the April 14^th Board of Public Works and Safety meeting. Holm said the city received the trailer in 2006 or 2007 with the idea that it would have the equipment and materials needed for a mass casualty event. It was centrally located in Plymouth for several counties in the region.

The chief told the board that Elkhart County has used the trailer in the past and put new tires on it. Clerk Treasurer Lynn Gorski said FEMA money was also used to put things in the trailer. Holm said the city put some money into the truck and trailer combination.

The chief said the trailer is in good condition, but all the supplies in it have expired, and it needs to be fully restocked. He estimated the cost to be $30,000.

Chief Holm didn’t ask for any action on the request; he suggested putting it on the agenda for the next city meeting and allowing board members to discuss it with him before the meeting. Holm said Elkhart County EMA Director Jennifer Tobey would attend the next city meeting to answer any questions.

Board member Duane Culp asked how much the city invested in the truck and trailer in 2006, and the clerk said $23,500. Holm said John Grolich put the deal together years ago, and he didn’t remember the city putting money into the combo. Holm said the truck's bluebook value is $18,000, and the Fire Department plans on keeping it. He couldn’t find a Bluebook value for the trailer, but searching online, he found one listed for sale at $7,500.

The next city meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 28^th at 6 p.m.